Led by the heroics of Finals MVP Gabby Williams, the Golden State Valkyries capture a historic WNBA championship

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The Golden State Valkyries are the 2026 WNBA champions. | Getty Images

It took seven games to decide if the Golden State Valkyries or the Atlanta Dream were the better team, but we finally got our answer.

Golden State protected their home court and beat Atlanta 68-63 to win Game 7 of the 2026 WNBA Finals and lift their first WNBA title.

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This series has been a defensive affair, and Game 7 was no exception.

The Valkyries shot 38 percent from the field, and the Dream only converted on 33 percent of their attempts.

But Gabby Williams, this team’s leader and top producer all year long, was best when the Valkyries needed her most. She scored 30 points and was invaluable in this win. With her stellar Game 7 and an all-around great series, she was the clear option as Finals MVP.

The Valkyries also got good performances from Kiah Stokes and Tiffany Hayes. Stokes had eight points and 13rebounds, and Hayes ended the night with 11 points.

Jordin Canada did everything possible to help the Dream win. She had 18 points. Angel Reese struggled in this one. Golden State denied her the ball, and she had just seven points on seven shot attempts.

The Valkyries are now the dream model every franchise will aspire to achieve.

Three years ago they were just an idea. During their expansion season, they made the playoffs. In Year 2, they’ve won it all. The front office, ownership group, players, and head coach Natalie Nakase deserve all the flowers and should celebrate in the Bay all night long.

As is typical in Game 7s in basketball, the opening quarter was tight and tense. Neither team had much of a flow or rhythm. They exchanged blows as the Valkyries struck first, going on an 8-0 run to begin the contest.

Atlanta responded with a 7-0 run of their own, and the rest of the frame remained even.

Veronica Burton hit a late jumper to give the Valkyries the lead, and after Canada’s last-second heave missed, the Valkyries were up 14-12.

DeWanna Bonner wanted to come to Atlanta to compete for a title. To start the second quarter, she stepped up into the moment. Bonner was a ball of energy. She scored a pull-up jumper, defended well and grabbed a pair of rebounds.

Atlanta went on a 9-0 run to take control of the period.

Canada had a gorgeous move in the paint that got her three points after the foul and the free throw, but Kayla Thornton responded with a 3 to keep the Valkyries just four points behind.mCanada dominated the rest of the half. She had 13 points on 50 percent shooting. Thanks to her efforts, the Dream led 30-24 at the start of the third quarter.

After halftime, both offenses came alive. Gabby Williams found her jumper and started drilling 3s. Isobel Borlase went on a five-point scoring burst for the Dream.

The Valkyries chipped away at the deficit and took the lead after Williams scored over Canada to go up by one with 10 minutes left.

Williams stayed hot to start the fourth, scoring Golden State’s first buckets of the quarter. The Valkyries started on an 11-2 run to gain some breathing room.

The Dream weren’t done, though. Boralase had a timely make, and after Canada knocked down a pair of free throws, it was a two-point lead for Golden State.

But Williams kept the Valkyries ahead. She hit a dagger 3, made her free throws when fouled and Stokes converted a putback inside to extend the advantage.

The Dream made one last push and got within three points, but after forcing a jump ball, they were unable to secure possession. Burton then knocked down pair of free throws to put the Valkyries on the precipice of a historic victory—and as the buzzer soon sounded, Golden State etched its name in the history books.

Congratulations, Valkyries!

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